LEHIGHTON RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
Raft the 900‑Foot Walls of Lehigh Gorge: BigTime Whitewater’s 5‑Hour Rush
A 5-hour whitewater rafting trip run by Jim Thorpe River Adventures through Lehigh Gorge State Park—ages 8+—featuring the operator’s most challenging rapids and practical guidance on what to expect.
Raft the 900‑Foot Walls of Lehigh Gorge: BigTime Whitewater’s 5‑Hour Rush.
BigTime Whitewater drops you into the narrow, wild corridor of Lehigh Gorge State Park where natural whitewater—no man-made slides—punctuates a roughly five-hour float through scenery that includes canyon walls rising to about 900 feet. It’s the operator’s most challenging rafting trip, designed for adventurous, relatively fit guests and welcoming children age 8 and up during the season.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Lehigh Gorge’s 900‑foot canyon walls
The river cuts a dramatic corridor through Lehigh Gorge State Park; at times canyon walls tower roughly 900 feet above the water, framing the run in raw, geological drama.
BigTime — the operator’s most challenging trip
Named for its intensity, BigTime Whitewater is the most challenging whitewater rafting trip offered by the operator and is intended for guests looking for a serious adrenaline rush.
A full‑day outing with five hours on the water
Expect about five hours on the water within a total outing of 7+ hours that includes check-in, safety procedures, and transportation to and from the launch point.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
This is a natural whitewater experience: extended stretches on the river deliver continuous Class‑style whitewater and scenic passage beneath towering canyon walls. The day begins with check-in and safety briefings, then a shuttle to the launch point before roughly five hours of paddling and rapids, and concludes with a return transfer—an immersive, full‑day outing that emphasizes both exhilaration and the park’s raw setting.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Wear comfortable clothing and bring sun and weather protection; signed waivers are required for all participants. Car keys may be left in secure storage at check‑in.
Wetsuits and paddle jackets are available to rent; water activity gear and novelty items (including water guns) are available for purchase on site.
Fresh, locally prepared boxed lunches can be pre‑ordered at checkout (advance notice required); the river portion runs about five hours within a total day of 7+ hours that includes check‑in and shuttles.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the river trip?
Expect roughly five hours on the water; the full outing is typically 7+ hours including check‑in, safety procedures, and transportation to and from the launch point.
What is the minimum age to participate?
Children age 8 and up are welcome on this trip.
Are waivers or other paperwork required?
Yes—signed waivers are required for all participants at check‑in.
Is gear available on site?
Wetsuits and paddle jackets are available for rent; water activity gear and related items are for sale at the site.
Is there an extra fee to access the river?
All reservations are subject to a River Access Fee of $6.50.
Can I buy lunch on the day of the trip?
Fresh boxed lunches are available for purchase but must be ordered in advance at checkout so enough food is prepared; last‑minute reservations may miss out.
How many people fit in a raft?
Raft capacities range from a minimum of four people up to a maximum of seven people per raft.